The Power of a Walker

​When the MMC team visited Ukraine in 2014, we were especially touched by the story of a partially handicapped woman in Sokolescheh village, who was being seen by Dr. Larissa Mazuryk. We were taken to meet the woman who lived in a poor house with her daughter because she could not take care of herself or live alone. She sat alone in the house all day.

The woman’s daughter left food and water on a table beside her bed. She could not walk to the toilet alone, so she sat in wet diapers until her daughter came home late in the afternoon to change her. She was taking all kinds of naturopathic medicine, which did not help her condition but cost her daughter a good portion of her meagre wage.

She was anemic, but the doctor could not determine the cause. We suggested that Larissa give the woman a walker so she might be able to get out of bed to use the toilet. After we returned to Canada, we shipped a walker to Larissa who gave it to the patient.This year, when we visited the woman again, there was a wonderful surprise waiting for us. She was up and around due to the walker we sent her. She was able to feed herself, go to the toilet unaccompanied and even venture outside on occasion. She was very happy to see us so she could tell us about her “new life” and improved health and strength. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as we listened to this happy story. ​

About UsMedical Mercy Canada Society is a non-religious, non-partisan registered Canadian volunteer organization which provides support to impoverished persons and refugees along the Burmese borders, Nepal and Ukraine.

Our Mission: Improving the quality of life in impoverished areas through humanitarian projects with local participation.

Our Vision: Healthy communities created by caring for and sharing with those in need.